Huet & Foreau: Vouvray Powerhouses
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Vouvray: one of the world’s most complex, age-worthy, terroir-driven, aromatically intense, and praised white wines. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more wildly expressive and flexible grape than the Chenin Blanc that composes practically all white wines from Vouvray. Chenin from Vouvray is esteemed for its profundity at all sweetness levels, from bone-dry (Sec), lightly- to medium-sweet (Demi-Sec), and dessert style (Moelleux).
Granted AOC status in 1936, this commune in the Loire Valley is home to two landmark estates that have endured since those early days, producing wonderful and empirically age-worthy wines not to be overlooked: Domaine Huet and Philippe Foreau, two of the finest producers within this glorious region in France.
Domaine Huet and Philippe Foreau offer the pinnacle of quality for the appellation (and therefore some of the best values in truly world-class wine) though their styles and approaches differ. So, how to choose between these two fabulous estates? Well, no real need as on our subscriber-sale, you’re welcome to mix and match between the two. But let’s explore the two.
Domaine Huet is the most sought-after Vouvray producer, at least according to Wine-Searcher data. This is one of France’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture, modernizing only in the most conscientious way. Today, horses still plough between the rows of their three vineyards, considered some of the greatest in all of the Loire. These vineyards have very distinct personalities worth exploring. Essentially, wines from Le Haut-Lieu are their most approachable, offering softer and younger-drinking wines. Le Mont wines are dense, chock-full of minerals (or should we say chalk-full?), and the most age-worthy, per insiders. Clos du Bourg wines lie somewhere in between the others in terms of youthful approachability and minerality. Gaston Huet, the estate’s famous winemaker for 55 years, considered Clos du Bourg to be the greatest vineyard in Vouvray.
In the winery, the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malolactic fermentation. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention. Few producers anywhere in the world make better off-dry to sweet white wines than Domaine Huet, except perhaps Philippe Foreau.
Just down the narrow, winding street from Domaine Huet is Domaine du Clos Naudin, known better by the name of its third-generation winemaker, Philippe Foreau. Foreau’s grandfather founded the estate in 1923. It is a small domaine with about 11 acres of Chenin Blanc in the northeast corner of Vouvray (and entirely in the Le Mont terroir). The vineyards, the main two being Les Perruches and Les Ruettes, hold vines that average over 45 years in age in argile-silex (clay and flint) soil. The estate’s traditionally-made wines offer astonishingly aromatics with a remarkable ability to age.
Stylistically, the estates differ most noticeably in the glass. Foreau crafts wines with a razor-sharp edge and more intense minerality at any given sweetness level compared to the rounder, richer wines of Huet. As a result, we often find that they require more time to come around in the cellar. Huet offers more opulent and flamboyant wines that are packed with fruit—they’re easy to love and the complexity is obvious, right in front of you to see. Both estates offer wines that will age for decades, especially in their demi-sec and moelleux styles.
No matter what you pick, you’re in for a treat—these are some very special wines.
Granted AOC status in 1936, this commune in the Loire Valley is home to two landmark estates that have endured since those early days, producing wonderful and empirically age-worthy wines not to be overlooked: Domaine Huet and Philippe Foreau, two of the finest producers within this glorious region in France.
Domaine Huet and Philippe Foreau offer the pinnacle of quality for the appellation (and therefore some of the best values in truly world-class wine) though their styles and approaches differ. So, how to choose between these two fabulous estates? Well, no real need as on our subscriber-sale, you’re welcome to mix and match between the two. But let’s explore the two.
Domaine Huet is the most sought-after Vouvray producer, at least according to Wine-Searcher data. This is one of France’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture, modernizing only in the most conscientious way. Today, horses still plough between the rows of their three vineyards, considered some of the greatest in all of the Loire. These vineyards have very distinct personalities worth exploring. Essentially, wines from Le Haut-Lieu are their most approachable, offering softer and younger-drinking wines. Le Mont wines are dense, chock-full of minerals (or should we say chalk-full?), and the most age-worthy, per insiders. Clos du Bourg wines lie somewhere in between the others in terms of youthful approachability and minerality. Gaston Huet, the estate’s famous winemaker for 55 years, considered Clos du Bourg to be the greatest vineyard in Vouvray.
In the winery, the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malolactic fermentation. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention. Few producers anywhere in the world make better off-dry to sweet white wines than Domaine Huet, except perhaps Philippe Foreau.
Just down the narrow, winding street from Domaine Huet is Domaine du Clos Naudin, known better by the name of its third-generation winemaker, Philippe Foreau. Foreau’s grandfather founded the estate in 1923. It is a small domaine with about 11 acres of Chenin Blanc in the northeast corner of Vouvray (and entirely in the Le Mont terroir). The vineyards, the main two being Les Perruches and Les Ruettes, hold vines that average over 45 years in age in argile-silex (clay and flint) soil. The estate’s traditionally-made wines offer astonishingly aromatics with a remarkable ability to age.
Stylistically, the estates differ most noticeably in the glass. Foreau crafts wines with a razor-sharp edge and more intense minerality at any given sweetness level compared to the rounder, richer wines of Huet. As a result, we often find that they require more time to come around in the cellar. Huet offers more opulent and flamboyant wines that are packed with fruit—they’re easy to love and the complexity is obvious, right in front of you to see. Both estates offer wines that will age for decades, especially in their demi-sec and moelleux styles.
No matter what you pick, you’re in for a treat—these are some very special wines.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock wines from Huet and/or Foreau
10% off any 6 or more in-stock wines from Huet and/or Foreau
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Friday, July 26th at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6 or more in-stock wines from Huet and/or Foreau
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Friday, July 26th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer twenty-four options from Huet and Foreau on sale now, including:
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $66, that’s $62.70 at 5% off and $59.40 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Neal Rosenthal tasting note “The 2015 Moelleux is really a step up in concentration and complexity from the Sec and Demi-Sec. It is at this level where the ultimate potential of Vouvray begins to reveal itself. The dense aromas lean bitter, with notes of pear, pit fruits, and fresh honey. On the palate, the fruit is warm and leans toward plum and quince, with an undercurrent of sea foam and Indian spices. Wearing 70 grams of sugar, this wine’s intense minerality keeps it fresh and structured, which adds to its incredible persistence and surprisingly dry finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux Reserve 2009 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Wine Advocate 97 points “What there was in this vintage of botrytis, Foreau reports, essentially went into his 2009 Vouvray Moelleux Reserve. Brown-spiced pear liqueur and quince preserves dominate the proceedings – wreathed in perfume of freesia and lily – and there are buoyancy and elegance, despite viscosity, enormous richness of texture and residual sweetness, that indeed point to the magic nobility rot can convey. Its sense of lift – when combined with luscious, still juicy suggestions of grapefruit and blood orange familiar from the corresponding demi-sec – wards off any risk of palate fatigue. Mysterious botrytis manifestations of stale bread, truffle, and white raisin emerge from the empty glass. This extraordinary achievement will stand with such past great Foreau moelleux reserves as 2005, 2003, and 1989-90 and is likely to merit 30 or more years of consideration. In direct comparison, what strikes one about the 2005 today is its more obvious sense of botrytis and its slightly diminished sense of acidity and lift. But it maintains the edge in sheer complexity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $195.99
The next best price is $195.99
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Demi-Sec 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “This delivers a beautiful display of purity and grace, with creamed Jonagold apple, star fruit, white peach and chamomile notes flowing seamlessly, backed by wet stone and fresh verbena accents. Subtle but persistent energy ripples through the very long finish. Drink now through 2035.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous, with creamy-edged nectarine, yellow and green apple, pear and quince flavors that are brightly defined from start to finish, flecked with verbena and honeysuckle hints and backed by a off-dry edge on the finish. Stays fresh and pure throughout. Tempting now but there’s no rush. Drink now through 2032.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $44, that’s $41.80 at 5% off and $39.60 at 10% off, 33 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 97 points “Drinking the 2020 Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec is like taking your shoes off at the end of a long day of walking and soaking them in warm water: there’s just satisfaction and relaxation. The 2020 has a sense of volume but not weight, filling the mouth with depths of pure fruit before the acid pours forth like a canal lock being opened. You can expect a hint of spice and crème caramel alongside apple and florals. I am utterly seduced.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Demi-Sec 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 26 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2015 Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec is deep, rich and flinty on the nose, with caramel and vegetable flavors indicating a great complexity. Full-bodied, dense and powerful, this is highly complex and persistent, yet refreshing and transparent Chenin with a juicy fruit and lots of grip, energy and tension. Rather demure at the moment, this enormously structured wine has a great aging potential and I recommend to store it for 6-10 years, at least.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Moelleux 2016 750ml Was $49, Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock nowWine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous crystallized ginger, dried quince, glazed pear and warm persimmon notes are seamlessly interwoven here, gliding through a lengthy finish that picks up a lilting green tea accent. Frankly off-dry but wonderfully pure. Drink now through 2035.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Moelleux 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $44, that’s $41.80 at 5% off and $39.60 at 10% off, 25 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 96 points “It might be delicate but the 2020 Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux is also rather succulent, coating the mouth with its sweet embrace. A combination of white flowers and nectarine creates an appealing perfume. There’s a sense of energy that runs through the wine, providing a sense of direction and purpose. The core of sweetness (50–60g/L) doesn’t tip over into lushness but is held together by its acidity and structure.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Moelleux 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 31 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “A stunner, with beautiful pear, green fig, yellow apple and quince notes that are creamy and flirtatiously sweet, yet seamless and refined in feel. The extremely long finish lets honeysuckle and verbena notes dance throughout, with a light echo of white ginger at the very end. Best from 2020 through 2040.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux 2016 750ml Was $59, Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Bright, even exuberant in feel, with a parade of Jonagold apple, green melon, Bosc pear and quince flavors streaming through, gilded with heather, honeysuckle and verbena notes on the long, lithe finish. Remarkably elegant despite the off-dry style. Drink now through 2035.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $46, that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Here is a masterful sweet wine endowed with 49g/L of residual sugar that offers an almost unprecedented delicacy for the estate…”
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 96 points “There are many shouty wines in the world, but the 2020 Le Mont Moelleux is understated, which is highly attractive. There’s finesse and elegance to this sweeter style (49g/L…”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “…You can never go wrong in buying a Le Mont and in particular this one. This is a great effort from a very particular vintage that forced the harvest team to make the strictest selections. It was well worth the effort.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A harmonious white, with vivid complexity, offering glazed yellow fig, persimmon and Bosc pear notes intertwined with ginger, chamomile, marzipan and heather details. Notes of spice and honeysuckle waft on the long finish. Drink now through 2036.–GS”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 2016 750ml Was $69, Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is ripe and broad, taking a slightly more power-driven approach, with a mix of tropical mango and papaya fruit, backed by orchard fruit accents of yellow apple and peach. The long, heather honey–accented finish has light piecrust and crystalized ginger hints. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux Première Trie opens with a very clear, deep and flinty/herbal bouquet of ripe concentrated stone fruits intermixed with chalky/smoky aromas, very complex and truly exciting! Light, fresh and tensioned on the palate, that is very pure and salty but also tight and concentrated. The 2016 Le Mont reveals crystalline acidity, delicate but serious tannin grip and a long, complex, stimulating finish. This is Chenin Blanc full of energy and aging potential, provided with concentration, lingering salinity and vibrancy. This is a fascinating Le Mont, surely the top wine of Huet’s excellent 2016 series. Bottled with 92 grams of residual sugar, it tastes less sweet than the corresponding Clos du Bourg. Tasted February 2018.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $66, that’s $62.70 at 5% off and $59.40 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97-98 points “The intensely yellow colored 2020 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux Première Trie is highly concentrated and complex on the nose that exhibits candied lemon zest and chutney aromas along with calcareous and walnut notes. Sweet (really sweet!) yet refined and elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich and generous yet piquant and firmly structured, greatly tensioned and salty 1ère Trie with pineapple flavors on the finely tannic and energetic, very sustainable finish. The 2020 has great aging potential, and I would never serve it too young. When will it really start to show its best? I don’t know, but you can’t go wrong to check the wine again after 10 years. Tasted as a final sample shortly before bottling in May 2021.”
Shop our twenty-four Huet and Foreau selections on sale now on our webstore!
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
Molitor in Zeltingen
5% off any 3-5 in-stock Molitor selections from Zeltingen
10% off any 6 or more in-stock Molitor selections from Zeltingen
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Thursday, July 25th at 9 am Pacific.